SatBus 100

Recently, I’ve been practicing using the 3D effect feature available in Adobe Illustrator. To test out what I could do, I decided to create a relatively simple satellite spacecraft illustration. The design of the spacecraft reflects a generic satellite bus found on any run-of-the-mill satellite and feature the design in a classic 3D isometric view. Subsequently, the JBC Aerospace SatBus 100 was conceived.

Idea:

Prior to the implementation of Illustrator’s 3D functions into my artwork, most 3D-perspective artwork I had done was completely manual in nature. Up till recently, this made use of guidelines and judgement by eye. Obviously, this meant that past works had a range of error in terms of precision. By switching over to Illustrator’s 3D capabilities, that slop in the art could be eliminated. Moreover, the 3D mode that Illustrator provides drastically streamlines the creation of 3D styled art, making future projects much easier to tackle and pursue.

The idea of going with a satellite came part from practicality, and part from history. Since the basic framework of a satellite is box in nature, it was much easier to cut my teeth on the newly learned tool set. Secondly, I had done a similar design years ago in university. That was back when I was first getting my head around vector illustration. By looking at that piece below, you can clearly see the progress I had made over the years.